Monday, October 13, 2008

Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?Malcolm: I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was in high school.My father was a college journalism professor, so I grew up with journalistscoming out to the house a lot, and spinning yarns about the exciting storiesthey covered, and the wonderful novels they planned to write. It looked likea great life.Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?Malcolm: I'm happiest when I'm working on novels with complex plots,and a lot of misdirection that throws the reader off-course from theconclusion I'm heading for. I especially like mixing dreams, and magictogether.Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write?Malcolm: My father was my greatest inspiration. He spent many hours a dayat the typewriter writing magazine articles, and books.Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story?Malcolm: Portions of "THE SUN SINGER" are based on childhood experiences.Portions of my next novel "GARDEN OF HEAVEN" are based on adultexperiences.Geri: Who is your favorite author?Malcolm: For fiction, Virginia Woolf. I also like Italo Calvino, Diana Gabaldon,Pat Conroy a great deal. For non-fiction I'm a long time fan of JosephCampbell.Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life?Malcolm: My characters usually begin in my imagination. Then, as they cometo life, they often remind me of people I know.Geri: How many books have you written?Macolm: A novel, "THE SUN SINGER" and "WORST OF JOCK STEWART."Geri: Where can your books be purchased?Malcolm: Powell's, Amazon, Barnesandnoble, IUniverse, Lulu.comGeri: How did you feel the first time you were published?Malcolm: I felt euphoric as well as depressed. On the plus side, was theculmination of a dream. On the other hand, I missed the give-and-take ofthe writing, watching the characters come alive, and telling me where theythought the story ought to be going next. As odd as it sounds, I'd come toknow them quite well.Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?Malcolm: I plan to write a sequel to "THE SUN SINGER." But, first I turnedto a story that has been nagging me since the early 1990s called "GARDEN OFHEAVEN."Geri: What are some links to your websites?Malcolm: www.campbelleditorial.com/sunsinger.htmlwww.malcolmrcampbell.comhttp://www.myspace.com/myriderhttp://sunsinger.blogspot.com/Geri: Do you have goals set for the future?Malcolm: My novels are interconnected. "GARDEN OF HEAVEN" introducesseveral characters that appear in "THE SUN SINGER." I am currentlyworking with the titles of "SARABANDE and DAHLIA." Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing?Malcolm: I never want to be at the point I expected to be, leaving less roomfor growth, and unexpected surprises.Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dreams?Malcolm: Authors must listen to their hearts, and be true to their own kindsof stories, what they have a passion for.Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block?Malcolm: If I am distracted by other things, or haven't given thought to thestory carefully, I am more likely to fight with the scenes.Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block?Malcolm: Stop stressing over it, and don't force the words. It's much betterto go for a walk, or go see a movie, then stare at the computer screen. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books?Malcolm: I read many biographies, and historical fiction from my school library.Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading?Malcolm: My parents read to me almost everyday.Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author,who would it be?Malcolm: Fame would be both a blessing, and a curse. I have no interest inbecoming famous in the celebrity sense of the word. I would much prefer tosell a lot of books, and be left alone to write.Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, a sense of achievementafter publishing a book. Can you relate to such feelings?Malcolm: Sure! The physical book that the reader sees is the tip of the icebergwhen one considers the effort that went into it.Geri: How do you balance your current occupaton with writing?Malcolm: I'm a freelance writer, so writing goals are my current occupation.Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing?Malcolm: The remnants of a hurricane came through down during my firstbook-signing, so I was rather surprised when people actually showed up. Itwas very difficult at first for me to stand in front of them, and talk aboutmy story that was private for so many years.Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your writing plans?Malcolm: I would keep writing, but would not have to worry about the mortgage,or my car breaking down.Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions.What was your most difficult task?Malcolm: If you have a knack for meeting people, and for making both you,and your book look interesting, the daunting task of promotion will be easierand perhaps a lot of fun.Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at the ocean, or flowerswhen writing. Do you have a particular scenery?Malcolm: I find music very distracting, especially vocals. Occasionally, I'll findinstrumental music that fits the mood of the book, and use it to focus on mystory.Geri: If you were to publish in a different genre than what you've alreadypublished, what would it be?Malcolm: I like the freedom of saying, "The sky's the limit." Being free to createwhatever kind of story I want is my natural way of writing.Geri: Thank you very much, it has been an honor to Interview you.Malcolm: Your welcome, It was my pleasure!

Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?Sarah: When I was reading an especially interesting book, and realized that I wanted to create my own stories, and poetry toentertain others.Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?Sarah: Stories that are fantasy, and science fiction that are based onmy dreams, and ideas. Also, I enjoy writing poetry.Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write?Sarah: It was one of my teachers in fourth grade, who I greatlyadmired, and another person that shall stay un-named.Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story?Sarah: No, not yet, but I hope to begin one soon. I have beenbrainstorming, and drafting ideas for a book based on one of mylife experiences.Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known inreal life?Sarah: Some are based from people I currently know, and othersare from my imagination, with characteristics I admire, and findinteresting. Geri: How many books have you written?Sarah: Some are not yet published, but are in the process. I've hadone book published titled "Crying Rose." A compilation of poetrywritten by me, also I've written drafts for 3 other books.Geri: Where can your books be purchased?Sarah: "Crying Rose" can be purchased at:www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.Xlibris.comTarget, Ebay, and many other retailers.Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published?Sarah: I felt exuberant, with the knowledge that one of my dreamswere coming true. People will know of my work, and be entertained.Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?Sarah: Yes! I am working very hard on a vampire, fantasy story.Geri: What are some links to your websites?Sarah: www.myspace.com/sarahabdulazizGeri: Do you have goals set for the future?Sarah: Yes, I have many that I plan to accomplish for the future. Iwant to become a noted, and legendary author, and poet. I want tobecome successful.Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing?Sarah: Yes, my life right now can't get any better.Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dreams?Sarah: People who want to become authors have to have a steadfastwill, and the strength to accept any problems that block their wayfrom being an author.Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block?Sarah: Yes, I have! I just seem to lose my ideas, and imagination.Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block?Sarah: Just take a break from writing. Get your mind on other things,and be more active.Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books?Sarah: Dr. Seuss Books! I love Dr. Seuss books! They have suchimagination, and always made me laugh!Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading?Sarah: As a child, I was not that interested in reading. My motherinspired me to read more books, and that increased my outlookon life, and knowledge I had on the world.Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famousauthor, who would it be?Sarah: Jane Austen. I love the way she writes, and her books.Geri: Some authors feel self-satisfaction, some feel a sense ofachievement after publishing a book, can you relate to such feelings?Sarah: Yes, absolutely! I have felt both self-satisfaction, and a senseof achievement, because I feel closer to accomplishing my goals.Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with writing?Sarah: I'm a student, and write daily. I must study, continue myeducation, and write daily.Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing?Sarah: I have not had a book-signing yet, but I have signed booksfor a couple of fans, and felt proud.Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would your writing planschange?Sarah: It would not change my plans for writing. I'd be able towrite, and publish more, while being financially secure.Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions.What was your most difficult task?Sarah: Waiting for a publisher to accept your book, and publish it.Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music,or look at flowers, orthe ocean. Do you have a particular scenery?Sarah: I like looking outside my window. You can see people, andchildren playing around, the sky, and many trees. It gives me anotheraspect on writing. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre than what you'vealready published, what would it be?Sarah: A novel of romance!Geri: Thank you very much for Today's Interview. It's been a pleasure!Sarah: Your welcome, it was fun!

Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?Dominique: I've been writing since I was a young girl, but I had no idea thatI actually wanted to write novels and inspirational stories, until a few yearsago.Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?Dominique: I love writing inspirational stories. I feel it is my purpose to inspire.I also enjoy writing fictional novels about different things we experience in life.Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer?Dominique: Absolutely! My grandmother, who raised me when I was a younggirl. I believe she is truly the only person who believes in my work.Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story?Dominique: Yes, I have! It's not in print yet, but it's a book about my life when I was living in Japan with my husband, and daughter, and what the journeydid to my life.Geri: Who is your favorite author?Dominique: James Patterson. I love his books, they keep you on your toes.Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life?Dominique: No, my characters are imaginary!Geri: How many books have you written?Dominique: I have 2 books published, but probably 11 0r 12 manuscriptsfinished.Geri: Where can your books be purchased?Dominique: www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, http://redleadbooks.com/inspiremeyoung.htmlhttp://dominiquewatson.webs.com/Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published.Dominique: I was excited. I couldn't believe that my book was in print. It wasa wonderful feeling.Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?Dominique: Yes! I'm actually working on editing my third book titled "TOO MUCHUNTOLD." This is definitely my hardest book.Geri: What are some links to your websites?Dominique: http://dominiquewatson.webs.comGeri: Do you have goals set for the future?Dominique: Just to be an established writer, for reader's to know who I am,and who I stand for. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing endeavors?Dominique: No way! I've got a long way to go, and so much to learn.Geri: What are some factors that can help authors reach their dream ofaccomplishment?Dominique: Never listen to someone telling you no. Always believe in yourself,and what you can write. Be you, and express it freely!Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block?Dominique: Yes, I have, plenty of times!Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block?Dominique: Walk away, and come back later. Let your mind rest, and thentry to start your project again.Geri: As a child, did you have any favorite books?Dominique: Yes, I had a few, but can't remember them all.Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading?Dominique: I loved it!Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author,who would it be?Dominique: Probably James Patterson. They did a story on him, and I lovehow he writes.Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, a sense of achievementafter publishing a book, can you relate to such feelings?Dominique: Yes, I felt complete, accomplished!Geri: How do you balance your current occupation with your goals for writing?Dominique: I always make time, and where-ever I go, I carry a notebookwith me.Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signingDominique: Wow! I can't believe this is me!Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your writing plans?Dominique: Nope! I would keep going, nothing can stop me from writing.Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. Whatwas your most difficult task?Dominique: Promotions! To get your name out there, and people to want toread your book. It's a tough job!Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or prefer to look at the ocean, orflowers when writing. Do you have a particular scenery?Dominique: Yes! Peace-and-quiet! I actually love to write outdoors!Geri: If you were to publish in a different genre than what you've alreadywritten, what would it be?Dominique: Romance, or science fiction. I would go way out of my leagueto test myself.Geri: Thank you very much for today's Interview. It's been a pleasure!Dominique: Your welcome, I enjoyed it, God Bless!